We believe the Audi A3 is a worthwhile purchase for a few thousand dollars more or less than $100 per month for leasing. If aesthetics are important to you, it has a more upscale aesthetic. The smaller A1 has, naturally, superior fuel economy, while the A3 has the strongest engine power. Both are useful models, with the larger A3 naturally outperforming the smaller A1. And for all you tech nerds out there, the A3 has better standard tech, even though we’re not huge fans of the pop-up infotainment screen.
The A1 is a pretty respectable car in its class if you can let go of some of the design’s finer points and aren’t overly concerned with having the best infotainment system. However, the A3 offers more value for your money.
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UPSIZE: Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Sport S tronic
It is more expensive than the A1 but offers greater room. So, is the extra money worth it?
It might be challenging to tell a double act apartthink of the Chuckle Brothers or Ant and Dec. Although the two hatchbacks that make up this test’s hatchback double act appear to be relatively similar, there are some notable variances.
The Mini is the only other direct competitor for the Audi A1, a tiny luxury automobile that delivers many of the amenities found in the brand’s larger and more expensive versions. The Audi A3, in comparison, is a larger, more accommodating model that competes with cars like the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A Class.
In comparison to the A1, the A3 has a greater selection of engines, including a plug-in hybrid model. However, we’re testing both vehicles here with the 35 TFSI gasoline engine from Audi and in Sport trim. So, is the larger A3 worth the extra money, or should you save a little money and get the A1?
Is buying an Audi A3 worthwhile?
I recently purchased a 2020 model A3 with 5000 miles on the odometer, but after finding too many unrepairable electrical issues, I decided to return the vehicle. It was replaced with a comparable vehicle with fewer miles on the odometer, and a few months later the second vehicle was brought back to the shop with a new set of serious electrical issues (it is currently undriveable). It will be at the dealer for at least two weeks as they ponder their options and wait for parts to arrive from Germany. You decide if the A3 is a highly unreliable automobile or if I’m simply unlucky.
Rear wiper fire
- 2006
- 1600
- Manual
- Petrol
- Hatchback
- 3
I bought a used Audi A3 eight months ago. At the time, I though I was buying a nice, dependable car for a higher than average price. However, today, the rear wiper developed a mind of its own and caught fire, ruining my inside. This appears to be a typical mistake, according to an online search. Get a used Audi instead, is my recommendation.
Audi A3
- 2013
- 1800
- Automatic
- Diesel
- 4
It operates nicely and is quite simple to drive. The automobile has proven to be highly dependable and has outstanding fuel efficiency, especially on long trips. However, I have had greater mileage with a pair of tires on other vehicles I have owned. Service frequency helps to cut expenditures.
It is still pretty excellent even though it is not as comfortable as other of the automobiles I have had. The hatchback facility offers a lot of versatility and has more than enough capacity.
The only complaint I would make is that the front windscreen wipers’ intermittent speed and frequency are both too high.
I cant believe I am an Audi driver, but hey-ho!
- 2011
- 5
In 2013, I purchased my Audi A3 from a car dealership. I don’t usually go to these sites because I never buy new automobiles and always buy my older cars from small dealers that I know and trust for under $3,000 and over the course of 5 years. I used to scream at Audi drivers for always catching up to you and speeding through intersections; now I am one of them! and have been doing so for at least four years. Although a little “bouncy” on country roads, it is still a terrific car to drive and I’m not convinced the traction control makes much of a difference there. Additionally, the car isn’t the most economical to operate: insurance is a bit pricey, the annual car tax is 200 (ouch! ), the fuel efficiency is 40 mph on a good day, but for non-highway trips, it’s closer to 30-35 mpg. The inside and fixtures, as well as the factory-installed 8-speaker audio, are excellent. My only complaint is that there isn’t much storage space in the front. A full set of golf clubs won’t quite fit in the boot (you’ll undoubtedly need to take the 3 wood and driver out of the bag!).
BTW – Be careful not to sit on the key fob when, say, inside the house (it could be compressed in your pocket), but still within range of the car, as this could trigger ALL OF THE WINDOWS to open entirely, leaving your car open to the elements and any nearby “tea-leaves” and opportunists. This has happened to me a few times, however it might not be a problem with devices made after 2013.
El Rapido
- 2016
- 1400
adore this vehicle The best Audi I’ve owned in 25 years as an owner is an SLine with a 1.4 cylinder on Demand engine.
Excellent to drive yet has many small flaws:
1. When utilizing cruise control, there is nowhere to place your right foot.
2. The media center’s awkward design makes it difficult to use
3. The car’s interior has very limited storage capacity.
4. A little boot
Very reliable car!
2005
Had the car from new, had regular servicing, and experienced no significant issues. I’m 84, so this is definitely going to be my last car! If I were to replace it, I would choose an Audi ( probably aA1 auto)
Great fun and practical for a convertible
- 2009
- Convertible
- 2
I am incredibly happy with the A3 Cabriolet. Despite not being a petrolhead, I do value my car’s performance. As long as I don’t put too much pressure on the accelerator, I can utilize higher ratios at low speeds to maximize fuel efficiency, but if I need to change down and put more force behind it, I get an immediate and gutsy response. It has been serviced by Audi (for a cost of just approximately 160 for each 10,000-mile oil change service), I fill it up with respectable fuel (often Shell, but occasionally V-Power), and it has good tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4s currently). The soft top can be raised or lowered in about 11 seconds, and if necessary, it may be done while driving slowly. The boot has plenty of area and the roof doesn’t obstruct it, despite being a little difficult to access. Although a tad narrow, the S-Line seats up front are pretty comfy, and I had no trouble fitting 2 adults in the rear (not many convertibles I test-drove could do this). Down-sides? The wiring loom in the driver’s door hinge is prone to breaking the odd cable, which in my case results in the air-bag light turning on. I’m only now starting to suffer electrical troubles. Once I identified the problem, it was quickly repaired (though a little fiddly). The brake/ABS warnings occasionally flash like a Christmas tree on the dash, however restarting the engine fixes the problem. Although I haven’t found the cause of this problem yet, it only occurs every three months or so, and the garage hasn’t found any brake system problems, therefore I believe there may be another intermittent electrical problem. I don’t need to say that I enjoy driving!
Review of Audi A3
2008
This car is really fantastic in that it makes you a better, safer driver. I adore it and have been utterly enamored with Audis. Since I don’t now drive a diesel and never plan to, the catalytic converter controversy doesn’t affect me. I will most definitely purchase another vehicle, perhaps an A4, as this is easily the best vehicle I have ever driven. But an Audi it will always be!
Great car, safe and fun.
- 2010
- 1968
Compared to a Volvo of comparable size, the road noise surprised me. Traction is excellent with the adaptive Haldex four wheel drive, but I assume that the fuel economy is worse than with the front wheel drive sportback. 65 mpg above 40 in the city when the accelerator pedal is lightly depressed. usually 54 mpg.
To uncover the true driveability hidden beneath the surface of the stock mapping, consider an engine remap (which Audi does not support). To keep the same mpg but considerably more enjoyable, even more care is required.
Models with emissions problems have not yet been recalled as of October 2016! However, if you have remapped the engine, it is irrelevant.
Audi A3 TFSI Sport
The automobile runs well in traffic despite only having a 1400cc engine. Along with a variety of driving modes, from economy, which includes a free-wheel facility, to sport, which retains lower ratios until greater engine revs are reached, the 7 speed automatic transmission always seems to be in the correct gear for the conditions. Since the automobile was purchased on November 11, 2013, its overall fuel efficiency is 44 mpg, with highway driving achieving above 50 mpg. Depending on usage, the servicing intervals are rather generous, usually every 18 months, although the computer in the car decides when to do it. Although slightly harder than on the SE model, the sport suspension installed in my car is in no way uncomfortable. The automobile is very agile and fairly short (4.237m). The automobile has screen wipers and automated headlights.
A couple of things could be improved. Similar to many other recent models, the rear sight is poor, necessitating caution when reversing in parking lots, etc. When the brakes are removed while the car is in gear, the “creep” pace is a little faster than I prefer. The rear seats are not very easy to access, and as the center tunnel extends to the back seat, anyone sitting in the middle rear seat must straddle it.
- 2007
- 1900
Lively and fun, some minor drawbacks
- 2000
- Coupe
Unexpectedly quick and nimble for a little engine, enjoyable to drive, and dependable. Great operating expenses compared to my previous vehicle. There isn’t much storage in the cabin, the boot is a little on the small side, and the glove box is tiny. There is just one power outlet throughout the entire vehicle, making it necessary to use a large and uncomfortable splitter device in order to charge my phone and use my Satnav at the same time. Not the most attractive vehicle, kind of “average.”
Great car in every way
This is a terrific automobile with all the amenities you could want and it seems to run smoothly. It’s also really comfortable, and the arm rest is excellent. Highly recommended, and the arm rest is well worth the purchase.
Audi A3 Sport
1986
I’m delighted I acquired this car, which I didn’t see online or purchase locally.
Before the sale, the dealer installed a new turbo, and when it proved out that it did not have cruise control as claimed, the dealer agreed to mail a check to cover the cost of having it installed.
Evans halshaw Audi A3
I went to look at this automobile and was really disappointed. It had been in a terrible accident and was coated in filla overspray. It is a junk car that isn’t even worth $2,000. Mr. Smith, someone will be purchasing a right dog of a car.